By Merritt Frey, Executive Director
A very serious Barou has a practical plan for his future and for Mali’s future self-sufficiency.
Being a student in Mali is a tough job. Because so much of the population lives in extreme poverty, young people are under serious pressure to drop out of school to help their families survive by going to work. Even if the family can spare a child to school, there are often no extra resources to help with tuition or other costs associated with education. This creates a cycle where even smart, motivated youth cannot live up to their potential — there are just no resources to help them get ahead.
That’s where Mali Rising’s Inspiration Scholar supporters come in. By underwriting a modest scholarship, these donors help our most outstanding middle school graduates go on to vocation school or high school. These are the kids who will break the cycle of poverty using the power of education!
We recently caught up with one Inspiration Scholar, Barou Kone. With his Inspiration Scholarship, Barou is in a 4-year agricultural vocational program. Here is what Barou had to say:
“I am Barou Kone and I am 18 years old. I graduated middle school in 2019 from Eagle Environmental Middle School of Lofine, CAP of Kadiolo.
Currently, I am doing the 2nd year at the Agro-pastoral center of Kadiolo. I chose this field because it is very important in Mali. The majority of Malian population are farmers and cattle keepers. It is through agriculture that Mali can become food self-sufficient.
My main goal is to study and become someone in life. That’s why I really like studying. I would like to success in life and help my parents get out of poverty. My vision for future is to become a great farmer and cattle owner so I can care for livestock and chickens of my community.
As soon as I will success I will help the diminished people and those who live in difficult situations. But I can only achieve these goals when I have a good education.
The scholarship that Mali Rising gave us was very helpful. This scholarship helps me a lot. For example, as soon as I got the stipend this year, I repaired my bicycle that I used to go to school. I also bough school uniforms, shoes and other clothes. I will also buy food at school with that money. So thanks a lot Mali Rising!”
